BIBLICAL BRIEFS 65
This command is part of the ten commandments, and specifically as the first commandment which relates to relationship with other people, after the first four commandments spelled out man’s relationships with God. In different translations, the word “honor” in English is: esteem, respect, treat with due obedience, and courtesy. It means to be respectful in word and conduct and to have an inner attitude of respect towards them. Children of all ages should honor their parents, regardless of whether or not their parents are worthy of honor. In Eph. 6: 1-3, Paul also embodies it as a New Testament principle, pointing to the promise it contains: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on earth.” This promise can symbolically be interpreted widely, in addition, that your life will not be shortened. It also literally means that your territory or inheritance will multiply (Isa. 54: 2). In the pictorial Hebrew the word is: “A reconstruction or healing that causes longer life.” It is a promise that one can specifically remind God of (Isa. 62:6; 2Cor. 1:20) and on which you can stand before God (Jer. 35: 18-19). For those who disobey their parents, Rom. 1: 28-30 spells out that God will surrender them to a bad attitude, to do what is not right. If parents do what is against the will of God, children do not have to follow them (Eze. 20: 18-19). In all things, we ought to obey God more than our parents (Acts 5:29). In Col. 3:20, this matter is summarized simply: “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.”
Dr. Tom Gouws
